How do you authenticate ancient Greek coins?

The tools used for engraving in antiquity (among the Romans) gave a particular form to letters. On the authentic coins, we see horizontal pointed lines at the ends of the letters. The letter A will show you both legs with this “sharp” line at the bottom of each leg.

Are old Greek coins worth anything?

Today ancient Greek coins are also numismatic coins. This means that they are worth more than the value of their precious metal and are therefore valuable collectibles. Their added value is mainly a result of their ancient history and rarity.

Which Greek coins are valuable?

The rarest Greek coins

• Mysia Cyzicus Electrum Full Stater c. 550-450 B.C.
• Arethusa/Dolphins Silver Tetradrachm c. 450-440 B.C.
• Philip II Gold Stater c. 339-336 B.C.
• Antiochus VII Silver Tetradrachm c. 138-129 B.C.

Are ancient Greek coins rare?

An extremely rare coin dating back to ancient Greece has been found as a result of an operation conducted against historical artifact smugglers in 30 provinces. Weighing 42.5 grams and reportedly worth $1 million, the coin is known as “Athens Dekadrachm” and there are only 40 of these rare coins in the whole world.

What is an old Greek coin called?

drachma
drachma, silver coin of ancient Greece, dating from about the mid-6th century bc, and the former monetary unit of modern Greece. The drachma was one of the world’s earliest coins. Its name derives from the Greek verb meaning “to grasp,” and its original value was equivalent to that of a handful of arrows.

What is an ancient Greek coin called?

drachma, silver coin of ancient Greece, dating from about the mid-6th century bc, and the former monetary unit of modern Greece. The drachma was one of the world’s earliest coins. Its name derives from the Greek verb meaning “to grasp,” and its original value was equivalent to that of a handful of arrows.

Are coins counterfeited?

Coin counterfeiting of valuable antique coins is common; modern high-value coins are also counterfeited and circulated. Counterfeit antique coins are generally made to a very high standard so that they can deceive experts. This is not easy and many coins still stand out.

What are the names of Ancient Greek coins?

Ancient Greek coins normally had distinctive names in daily use. The Athenian tetradrachm was called owl, the Aeginetic stater was called chelone, the Corinthian stater was called hippos (horse) and so on.

What was the first Greek coin?

The first Greek coins appeared in Aegina c. 600 BCE (or even earlier) which were silver and used a turtle as a symbol of the city’s prosperity based on maritime trade. Athens and Corinth soon followed Aegina’s lead.

What is the currency of ancient Greece?

Drachma (Greek: δραχμή Modern Greek: [ðraxˈmi], Ancient Greek: [drakʰmέː]; pl. drachmae or drachmas) was the currency used in Greece during several periods in its history:

What are ancient Greek coins?

Ancient Greek Coins. Coins of ancient Greece were mainly made out of gold, silver, or electrum and fall into 3 periods: Archaic ; Classical; and Hellenistic. Ancient Greek coins primarily consist of the drachm and were handmade not machined as are modern coinage.